$15 Laser Honeycomb Base Board

Need a base for laser cutting? Honeycomb boards are expensive! Build your own for $15 or less with enough material left over to build several more!

[@wYatt121509]

I know that I am a year too late to comment on this video but you sir, are a god. Genius so simple and brilliant now I feel my mental insignificance, lol. Oh well lol not the first and in my early 50's not the last. If I was not already subbed I would do so again. Maybe I can convince my wife hehe. Brilliant brother. God bless you and yours, keep on keeping on.

[@otter5555]

i have cut commercially for many years using 10-12 lasers in the shop. i use 1/8" all thread from the local hardware store. they come in 12-18-24" lengths and are generally perfectly straight. i use a hot glue gun and glue them down , running away from me from 0,0 , 3-3/4" apart the full width of my cutting range. i have made thousands of cuts and the glue never comes loose, the all thread never moves and cuts are very good quality. the cost is very, very cheap and you only have to put them down one time per laser. happy cutting :)

[@jbylin]

This metal material looks a lot like the metal multi-layer furnace filter that first screens the return vent before the electrostatic air cleaner. I have to wash them with a hose every three months. I also know the big box stores sell the filters in multiple sizes with frames. I really like the idea presented in this video! Very creative.

[@SniperTrader2023]

Those filters were the first thing that popped into my mind. I used to clean them off of restaurant exhaust fans and some air conditioners that used them as prefilters for the fresh air intake, they would be perfect. Maybe just add something under it to catch debris like a cookie sheet or even just a piece of sheet metal.

[@slingerssecretlaboratory]

Yes!... stove hood filters as well. I'll check Lowes a get back with you all!

[@briandavis2219]

Thank you for the reply and Thank you for the time you take to make videos All the best

[@antennasbc]

This is frigging genius. Thanks for making this video!! I'm in for the channel.

[@buxtor]

Sir, you are a gentleman and a scholar!

[@0Logan05]

It indeed works in a pinch, If you don’t need a level surface.. Still, Rad🤙🏻

[@geraldobrien6380]

I did find this. This is a very good idea, for sure. Thank you very much for your videos. I'm learning a lot. Be safe sir

[@DavidYouhas]

Hello from Illinois! Thanks I was looking for something affordable for my lasers to try cutting.

[@tpsooner7816]

Great video. Thank you!

[@silverdime2385]

Thank you 🙏 for video !! I will do what you did sir! Good day

[@castlecodersltd]

Interesting, thank you for sharing ☺

[@tfwoodcraft]

i like it, thanks!

[@slingerssecretlaboratory]

Great ptoduct... thanks

[@michaellarson7194]

Sweet!

[@Bigtwineater]

Make sure you have good ventilation if using this. Heating anything galvanized puts off toxic fumes. Not sure if the laser would create enough heat or not but I would make sure you have adequate ventilation just in case. That being said this is a very good idea and I will be making one to use with my laser. Thank You

[@rogersshop]

As an experienced welder, I know about zinc fumes from galvanized items. This plaster lath does not appear to be galvanized as the piece I left outside promptly rusted and I know that Dollar Tree cookie sheet isn't.

[@kenhanks3569]

I would use expanded metal.

[@rogersshop]

@@kenhanks3569 That also works well, but this was cheaper and easier to get at the time

[@jannymorrow]

@@kenhanks3569 Sorry, newbie here...what is "expanded metal"??

[@idratherberidingnow]

@@jannymorrow Doesn't look like anyone answer your question. Expanded metal is a type of sheet metal which has been cut and stretched to form a regular pattern (often diamond-shaped) of metal mesh-like material. It is commonly used for fences and grates,

[@Hoo7518]

Can’t wait to make my own. Just a trip to the hardware store and I’ll be ready. Thanks for the GREAT money saving tip. Maybe in time I’ll have $100+ to spend on an actual mat… but then again why?

[@rogersshop]

This works great and I intend to make a larger size one as well since I have all the leftover material.

[@earlcummings3653]

does this have to be perfectly flat? Your videos are very helpful, the one on installing the lightburn video was so much easier than others I have seen

[@rogersshop]

Yes, it should be as flat as possible. I'm working on a design that uses the same material but will have a frame to address that. The one I made here is flat, but I was careful when cutting to not introduce any bends in the material.

[@srlsigns7944]

This is also referred to as "stucco netting" at the big box stores.

[@rogersshop]

Interesting term. I worked construction for over 40 years and we always called it plaster lath.

[@GavinConwayWoodworkBBQ]

Good idea but you'll never keep a multi layer bed of that stuff flat - even if you box in over the edges it'll always be wavy. Take a look at 2:52 there abouts

[@rogersshop]

It works fine for those on a budget. I have several manufactured actual honey comb boards in several sizes that are used.

[@zk_6312]

Try using blue painters tape or transfer tape before you cut. It works great, no charing. The only issue I have with painters tape is getting all the little pieces out. Supposedly Gorilla duct tape will lift off those pieces. I tried regular duct tape and it did not work for me. I ended up using my fingers.

[@rogersshop]

If going that route, use a weeding tool made for die cutters like a Cricut. Even cheaper are the orange handle picks from Harbor Freight.

[@amydiaz1862]

New here, but how? Just tape over the whole area to be cut first- or? Tia!

[@rogersshop]

@@amydiaz1862 You could, but to me is a pain unless I'm doing a color fill later. Otherwise, I never use tape. Air assist + honeycomb board = no scorching.

[@Hoder2k]

Seems like maybe you could stretch it over a wooden frame and staple along the outside.

[@rogersshop]

Could, but this was easier and faster

[@ssports6620]

How you confirmed your design sir??

[@DavZell]

Music is way too loud. Much louder than other videos and your own talking. Keeping the same volume level is much nicer.

[@romantashevRT]

It is like having a Ferrari and making your own floor mats out of a carpet:))) (do I see there a xTool D1 Pro?)

[@kennyrobman7390]

Wow literally was about to spend $500 for two panels. Didn’t look like to complex of a design but i didnt understand the science behind it . THANK YOU

[@TheSanzca]

Will the laser cut through aluminum foil if you use that as a base?

[@rogersshop]

Yes, it will cut through foil. The laser reflection would also be pretty bad!

[@geminiman2831]

Can I use this bed for co2 laser ?

[@rogersshop]

Don't see why not.

[@geraldlamothe6091]

Nothing can replace a good honeycomb surface. The whole surface is evenly flat, it’s made of metal so you can use magnets to hold down your work…I have tried the same product you have and it did not work very well for me, I event tried a cooling rack worked, but still had problems… The importance in cutting is that the piece on your surface stays flat and even, because if not the part that is higher or lower will not cut evenly, and you will end up making more and more passes, or even ruining a delicate piece like letters… A good honeycomb will cost you around $80.00,and will save you time and money.

[@rogersshop]

True. And, I have one. This was aimed at those with limited budgets. It works fine if care is taken when cutting the lath to keep it flat.

[@Pixelpanscher]

Better to put the laser into a box!

[@ursulap23]

I'm very new, haven't made my first cut yet. What exactly was the name of what I need to go buy? I got the DT cookie sheet but not sure about this wire stuff 😀

[@rogersshop]

It's called Plaster Lath. Example: www.menards.com/main/building-materials/metal-framing/27-x-96-97-dimpled-self-furring-galvanized-steel-lath/87828/p-1524810508301-c-5695.htm?tid=-998644810201753664&ipos=2

[@ursulap23]

@@rogersshop Thank you very much

[@OldAlastair]

HaHa you saved me some money

[@jamiehendricks548]

what is the spelling of the honecomb you bought I couldnt quite get it

[@rogersshop]

Common name is "Wire Plaster Lath". Most larger size home centers carry this like Menards, Home Depot, Lowes, etc.

[@guyupnort]

is it galvanized? you shouldn't be using galvanized with your laser.

[@rogersshop]

No, it is not galvanized. However, a diode laser will not cut or engrave zinc galvanizing.

[@SodBustersMetalDetecting]

I would be concerned about galvanized poisoning

[@sotm2]

It is "NOT" honey comb however, but it will work.

[@rogersshop]

No, they are not hexagons (I am a beekeeper), but these bases are commonly called "honeycomb"